TRUMBULL CO. Violators jeopardize recycling program

Video equipment may be used to catch and prosecute the illegal dumpers.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
The many residents who take advantage of the convenience of recycling drop-off sites in Trumbull County may see the containers disappear if problems continue.
"This spring we've had more problems with contamination at the sites than ever before," said Robert Villers, director of the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste District.
Villers said residents who use the sites, located at various points throughout Trumbull and Geauga counties, are leaving items that can't be recycled, making them eyesores in the communities.
"It's not raw garbage that we're getting, but we are seeing materials like tires, propane tanks, windows, window glass, vinyl siding and even plastic lawn furniture," he said.
The sites accept glass and plastic containers, aluminum cans and steel food cans. Newspapers and magazines are collected in separate red containers at the sites.
Since the satellite sites were started six years ago, the waste district has collected more than 18,720 tons of recyclables.
In an effort to make sure only items intended for recycling are put in the containers, crossbars were welded into the openings, Villers said. The bar prevents the doors from opening wide enough for larger, nonrecyclable items. Now, some people are leaving the items on the ground next to the containers.
"These sites are not policed 24 hours a day," he said. "And the township trustees, police departments and fire departments in these areas are getting tired of having to clean them up all the time.
"If it continues, there's a danger they are going to cancel their contracts for the containers."
Catching violators
Villers said officials are considering buying video equipment to randomly record some sites and are ready to handle violators under state law.
"When people leave items on the ground, it's considered open dumping," he said. Open dumping in Ohio is punishable by a $500 fine. "If we find someone doing it, we're going to prosecute."
For larger items -- like appliances, tires and household hazardous waste -- several collection events are held in Trumbull and Geauga counties throughout the year, Villers said. He also suggested packing recyclables in smaller bags, like those from a grocery store, to put in the drop-off containers.
For information on the drop-off sites, or on recycling or litter prevention events in the area, call the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste District at (330) 675-2673, or check the Web site at www.startrecycling.com.
slshaulis@vindy.com